Gavin McKenna appreciated the loud cheers he received in Toronto during his first NHL pre-season game. "To know I got this fan base behind me, it feels good," the 18-year-old said. "I think when you hear that, you get almost chills." McKenna liked his performance on Saturday, but also noted he needs to clean up some turnovers.
Auston Matthews raved about Sergei Bobrovsky following the goalie's pre-season debut with the Leafs on Saturday. "It's an absolute treat," the captain gushed. "I'm not going to lie, I was so excited when we signed him ... I couldn't be happier to have him on our side." Bobrovsky stopped 10 of 11 shots against the Canadiens.
Darren Raddysh used his trademark point blast to create Toronto's only goal during Saturday's pre-season opener. But the Leafs converted on just one of six power-play chances overall against the Canadiens. Auston Matthews says the top unit needs to do a better job cashing in on the space created by Raddysh.
Leafs captain Auston Matthews looked rejuvenated in his first game since suffering a knee injury on March 12. "He was flying out there," said defenceman Darren Raddysh. "He's been flying ever since he got back from the summer." Head coach Jim Hiller also highlighted Matthews' skating as a big positive on Saturday.
After seeing Florian Xhekaj agitate Auston Matthews and William Nylander on Saturday, Marshall Rifai dropped the gloves with him. "That's appreciated," said Matthews. "Guys sticking up for each other, that's what it's all about. Marshall's been around here for a bit now and he's one of the hardest working guys I've ever come across."
Jake O'Brien had a goal and an assist and Jacob Melanson had a pair of helpers as the Kraken doubled up the Canucks in preseason action. Braeden Cootes and Arshdeep Bains each finished with a goal and an assist for Vancouver in the loss.
Lane Hutson tied the game early in the third period and assisted on Cole Caufield's overtime winner with 38 seconds remaining in the extra frame, as the Canadiens edged the Maple Leafs in a split squad preseason game.
Phillip Danault scored a pair of goals, Sam Poulin and Maksymilian Szuber also found the back of the net, and the Canadiens downed the Maple Leafs in preseason split squad action.
Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl each recorded a goal and an assist, Ryan Shea scored and added two helpers, and Evan Bouchard had four assists as the Oilers beat the Jets in Mike Babcock's preseason coaching debut for Edmonton.
Montreal Canadiens goaltender Sam Montembeault spoke to TSN's Mark Masters after his team's preseason win over the Toronto Maple Leafs on Saturday.
The TSN Hockey panel shares its impressions of Auston Matthews and Gavin McKenna after their preseason debuts on Saturday night, and discusses Darren Raddysh's performance after he found the back of the net against the Canadiens.
Does Sergei Bobrovsky still have a few years of elite goaltending left in him? Could the case be made that Chris Tanev is Toronto's second most important player behind Auston Matthews? Does Jack Roslovic have to be a top-six forward to thrive? The TSN Hockey panel weighs in on the expectations for the Leafs this season.
Colton Dach shares what his role with the Oilers will look like, what he wants to bring to the team, and what its like playing with Alex Formenton and Mathieu Joseph.
Oilers head coach Mike Babcock shares what his expectations are for Edmonton's first preseason game against the Jets Saturday night, and the importance in finding depth within the team to assist Connor McDavid and Leon Draisaitl.
After an impressive 22 goals and 48 assists last season with the Tampa Bay Lightning, the Leafs are expecting new addition Darren Raddysh to have an impact on the power play this season and open up space for Auston Matthews.
Sens pest Ridly Greig was suspended for two regular-season games for roughing Carolina's Sean Walker in the playoffs, and admits it's weird preparing for the season knowing he'll miss the first two games. Greig also spoke about the intensity of training camp and his sister, Dara Greig, joining the Ottawa Charge in the offseason.
When asked about Gavin McKenna joining the Maple Leafs and having to face off against him a bunch being in the same division, Senators forward Dylan Cozens joked that he would've liked to see the fellow Yukon native be drafted out West. Cozens says he's known McKenna for a long time and it's awesome to see his success.
The Toronto Maple Leafs will get to see Gavin McKenna wear a Leafs jersey for the first time Saturday night as they face the Montreal Canadiens. The team discusses their excitement to get this new and revived group up and running.
Chris Tanev will get to play for the first time since December 28th when the Leafs take on the Canadiens in preseason action Saturday night. He spoke ahead of the game about getting back to this point and his excitement to be back playing, and Jim Hiller and Steven Lorentz share what he brings to the team.
Owen Beck believes he's ready to be an impact player in the NHL and is determined to showcase that as the Canadiens open their preseason schedule with two split squad games against the Maple Leafs. Beck says he's trying to not put too much pressure on himself but knows what's at stake for him in training camp.
Chris Kreider says he's just trying to keep up and ask questions as he joins a Canadiens squad with a ton of continuity carried over from last season. Kreider is eager to embark on a 'exciting new adventure' with the Habs and expects to feel some good nerves ahead of tonight's preseason clash with the Maple Leafs.
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